“Commander In Chief” is a term commonly used for the president of the United States. But it’s only one of several titles conferred on the nation's chief executive. Commander In Chief refers to the president’s duties as head of the U.S. armed forces: the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines. The U.S. Constitution establishes this power for the president.

U.S. Department of Defense

The Department of Defense is one of 15 executive departments that comprise the president’s cabinet. The four armed services, each headed by a chief; the National Security Agency; Pentagon Protection Force Agency; and Defense Intelligence Agency make up the DOD. The chiefs are known collectively as the Joint Chiefs of Staff and report directly to the president. The president meets regularly with the secretary of defense, joint chiefs of staff and national security advisor for reports, updates and advice on military- and security-related matters.

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

The president’s cabinet includes the Secretary of Veteran Affairs. HIs agency administers programs and benefits for retired service members and their families and survivors. The president advocates for jobs, healthcare and housing for veterans, especially those returning home from combat, and their families.

Wartime Duties

The president does not have the power to declare war. The Constitution gives the U.S. Congress that right. But the president can order wartime maneuvers. These include deploying troops and dispatching war ships, and giving the go ahead for air strikes, bombings and invasions. Presidents often use the power of their office through meetings and speeches to persuade lawmakers to take military action. They can also take the case for war directly to the public to gain popular support. The president occasionally inspects naval yards and visits armed force bases to raise morale among the troops.

Peacetime Duties

Presidents are responsible for preserving the peace at home and in areas abroad that involve U.S. interests. They have the authority to station troops in strategic locations around the world to protect U.S. allies and enforce international treaties. On the advice of military leaders, presidents might agree to send the military into areas to monitor potential conflicts. Presidents can also call on military forces to quell civil disobedience.

Executive Orders

Presidents can issue executive orders related to their role as commanders in chief. EOs give them the power to act quickly on a range of issues without Congress’s consent. A president might draft an EO authorizing a change in military policy, for example. Or the president might want to authorize the military’s use of certain resources during wartime and use an EO to make it official.

Ceremonies

The commander in chief receives troops returning home from military duty, including those who have been wounded or killed. The president decides when a service member is to receive a state funeral and notifies Congress, which provides use of the Capitol Building for the ceremony. Presidents also determine who should be recognized for outstanding service. This includes the Army Medal of Honor which is presented to military men and women cited for brave and heroic acts.

About the Author

Valerie Bolden-Barrett is a writer, editor and communication consultant specializing in best business practices, public policy, personal finance and career development. She is a former senior editor of national business publications covering management and finance, employment law, human resources, career development, and workplace issues and trends.